Georgia Southern vs South Alabama Q&A

As soon as they go up, you'll be able to read my answers to his questions HERE.

From one program that got off to a fast start to another, what is the excitement level around South Alabama football after their first few years? 

The excitement has steadily grown around the program since its inception. The excitement went through the roof last year when the Jags played Tennessee very close and threatened to score to tie or win the game late. It hit a new high last weekend when Mississippi State, the first-ever SEC team to pay a visit to Mobile, came to town.


What sights and sounds of USA's game day atmosphere should Eagles fans make sure they arrive in time for or don't miss?

Jaguar fans know how to tailgate. I would definitely recommend coming out and strolling through the parking lot at Ladd-Peebles Stadium to take in the sights and sounds around the stadium. The Jaguar Prowl takes place just over two hours prior to kickoff. It is when the team arrives at the stadium and walks around the south side of the stadium with the band playing. It too is worth seeing.



Georgia Southern has Beautiful Eagle Creek, the Yellow School Buses, and a tradition of welcoming the team to the stadium with car horns blaring. As a young program, does South Alabama have any routines that are becoming traditions you see lasting for years?

The Jaguar Prowl is something that is here to stay. As a program that is still very young, new traditions will emerge over time. I believe the big, long-standing traditions will come whenever an on-campus stadium is finally built.


Who are the players from the Jags on offense and defense that the Eagles really need to be concerned with? Also, who is an under the radar player to watch?

Offensively, the Jaguars are very deep and talented at wide receiver. Shavarez Smith, Danny Woodson and Marvin Shinn are homerun threats. Brandon Bridge has a huge arm and can run very well too.

Defensively watch Maleki Harris at linebacker, he had 14 stops and two forced fumbles against Mississippi State last weekend. Qudarius Ford is a bit small at cornerback but he one of the best at his position. Also watch Roman Buchanan, as a freshman last year he worked himself into a starting position and he has picked up where he left off this year.

Under the radar players to watch: Xavier Johnson at running back, I really think he will start taking on a larger role in the offense as well as tight end Braedon Bowman. Defensively redshirt freshman Tre Alford and true freshman Jeremy Reaves at free safety are young players that are the future of the team that have worked themselves into the two-deep roster.


South Alabama had their largest crowd ever for MSU last week. How big of a crowd do you expect to show up forSaturday's game? 

I would expect it to be back to around normal which is around 23 - 26,000 but I'm hoping that attendance carries over from last weekend and there is a surge for the remainder of the season.


How do you think the Jaguars look in this year's Sun Belt race?

I think they are poised to make a run at the conference championship. They have everything they need to do it: strong senior leadership, lots of upperclassmen on the offensive line, depth at key positions and a strong defense. If they can stay healthy and turn those close losses last season into wins this season they will have a great shot.


What are your thoughts on the Eagles so far in their first year at the FBS level?

I was very impressed with them last season and excited when it was announced they were moving up and joining the Sun belt. They have moved up to FBS competition without looking back. Their first game of the season they took NC State down to the wire and had Georgia Tech on the ropes until a last second touchdown spoiled their upset bid. They could be a challenger for the conference crown sooner rather than later.


Finally, what's your prediction for this game?

USA has had problems against the option before. Navy ran all over them last year in a 42-14 game in Annapolis. But the Jaguars bounced back from that loss with three-straight wins last season in dominating fashion. I think the Jags pull out a squeaker at home. closer than fans want to see.